Investigators said Ramos forced his way into his girlfriend’s car in Pasadena on Saturday and took off with her and the children inside.

The unidentified woman told investigators Ramos threatened her life along the way.

Authorities said Ramos pulled over near the San Jacinto River Bridge, and the woman got out of the car to put the hood down after it suddenly opened. Ramos allegedly drove away with the 2- and 3-year-olds.

Police found the children and the car near Thompson Road about four hours later.